How much does a Mercedes G500 / G550 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned G500/G550 engine typically costs £3,000–£7,500 supply only depending on generation. Fitting adds £2,500–£4,000 depending on location and workshop rates. A replacement motor of type 157.982 costs on average £7,908 in good condition. Main dealer new engines start from £12,000–£22,000+ supply only. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your car.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes G500 / G550?

Timing chain tensioner wear on M113 engines (check at 100,000 miles), timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster failure on M176 biturbo V8s, balance shaft and camshaft adjuster issues on M273 engines, and oil leaks from valve covers and oil filter housing across all generations.

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes G500 / G550 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on vehicle value and condition. Against a well-kept £15,000–£60,000 G-Class, a £5,000–£7,500 recon is 10–50% of the car's value. For a clean M113-engined example, replacement is almost always worth it given the engine's legendary durability and the G-Class's strong retained values. For newer M176 examples with documented service history, replacement is viable.

How do I find my Mercedes G500 / G550 engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation. As a rule of thumb: W463 (1998–2008) has M113 (5.0L V8), W463 (2009–2015) has M273 (5.5L V8), W463 (2016–2024) has M176 (4.0L biturbo V8), W463 (2025–present) has M256 (3.0L I6 MHEV). Tell us your registration date and we'll confirm it for free.

Can I prevent timing chain issues on the M113?

The M113 is 'bulletproof' but the timing chain tensioner is the main weak point. It is generally accepted that timing chains should be checked and replaced as necessary at every 100,000 miles. Regular oil changes with the correct MB-spec oil and early attention to warning signs like rattling noises can help prevent costly engine damage. At the first sign of cold-start rattle, book an inspection immediately.

Mercedes G500 / G5501998–present4 Engine Generations (M113, M273, M176 & M256)

Mercedes G500 / G550 Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Name: Mercedes G500/G550 UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: MercedesEngine.uk

Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes G-Class specialists. The G500 and G550 badges span four V8 and inline-six engine generations — from the bulletproof M113 to the modern M256 with mild hybrid — compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines with supply & fit available nationwide.

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Mercedes G500 / G550 Engines — from £1,000 to £15,000+Common codes: M113, M273, M176, M256

Mercedes G500 / G550 Engines — from £1,000 to £15,000+· Common codes: M113, M273, M176, M256

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Mercedes G500 / G550 — Which Engine Does Your Car Actually Have?

Four generations. Four eras. One guide to reliability, costs and what really matters.

Era Note

5.0L V8 — 296 hp, 339 lb-ft. "Rock solid" and "bulletproof"; timing chain tensioner is the main weak point

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

W463 (G500) BMW 320d W463 (G500)

1998–2008M113 (5.0L V8)★★★★★ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£3,000–£6,500 [MB-QUOTE]5.0L V8 — 296 hp, 339 lb-ft. "Rock solid" and "bulletproof"; timing chain tensioner is the main weak point

W463 (G550) BMW 320d W463 (G550)

2009–2015M273 (5.5L V8)★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£4,000–£7,500 [MB-QUOTE]5.5L V8 — 382 hp, 391 lb-ft. Balance shaft and camshaft adjuster issues documented

W463 (G550) BMW 320d W463 (G550)

2016–2024M176 (4.0L biturbo V8)★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£6,500–£11,000 [MB-QUOTE]4.0L biturbo V8 — 416–422 hp, 450 lb-ft. Timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster failures are key concerns

W463 (G500/G550) BMW 320d W463 (G500/G550)

2025–presentM256 (3.0L I6 MHEV)★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£7,000–£12,000 [MB-QUOTE]3.0L inline-six turbo with 48V mild hybrid — 443 hp, 560 Nm. Early reliability data still emerging

Why use this era map?

Every cost guide, reliability rating and engine code on this page is aligned to the data above. This keeps everything consistent and trustworthy.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

Mercedes G500 / G550 Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£3,000–£7,500

Fitted (Indie)£5,000–£9,500

Warranty12–24 months

Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£1,000–£3,500£2,000–£5,0001–6 monthsBudget priority; donor for rebuild

Reconditioned Engine£3,000–£7,500£5,000–£9,50012–24 monthsMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£4,500–£9,500£6,500–£12,00012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£12,000–£22,000+£14,000–£25,000+24–36 monthsInsurance jobs, warranty claims

Labour estimate: Fitting a G-Class V8 engine typically takes 16–24 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer). The G-Class's heavy-duty chassis and body-on-frame construction add labour time.

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Common Problems

1. Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (M113 — The Bulletproof Engine's Weakness)

Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noise from the engine on cold start, metallic noise that subsides as oil pressure builds, engine performance issues, check engine light

Typical mileage: 100,000–200,000 miles — the M113 is known to last 200,000 miles, but tensioners can fail

Repair cost: £500–£1,500 (tensioner replacement) / £1,500–£3,500 (full timing chain kit)

Replacement cost: £4,500–£9,500 (if chain jumps — full engine replacement)

🔴 Immediate - if you hear rattling on cold start, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

The M113 engine is "rock solid" and "bulletproof" — "the engine and transmission in the M113/722.6 G500s seem to mechanically go forever, so high mileage is probably of no concern here". However, the timing chain tensioner is the main weak point. It is generally accepted that timing chains should be checked and replaced as necessary at every 100,000 miles. At the first sign of cold-start rattle, have the tensioner inspected immediately. A £500–£1,500 preventative repair is dramatically cheaper than a £4,500–£9,500 engine replacement.

Read the full timing chain tensioner guide → /failures/m113-timing-chain-tensioner/ [NEW FAILURE PAGE NEEDED]

1. Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (M113 — The Bulletproof Engine's Weakness)

Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noise from the engine on cold start, metallic noise that subsides as oil pressure builds, engine performance issues, check engine light

Typical mileage: 100,000–200,000 miles — the M113 is known to last 200,000 miles, but tensioners can fail

Repair cost: £500–£1,500 (tensioner replacement) / £1,500–£3,500 (full timing chain kit)

Replacement cost: £4,500–£9,500 (if chain jumps — full engine replacement)

🔴 Immediate - if you hear rattling on cold start, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

Read the full timing chain tensioner guide → /failures/m113-timing-chain-tensioner/ [NEW FAILURE PAGE NEEDED]

2. Timing Chain & Camshaft Adjuster Issues (M176 Biturbo V8)

Symptoms: Rattling or knocking noise on cold start, check engine light, rough running, loss of power, camshaft correlation fault codes

Typical mileage: 40,000–80,000 miles — can occur at lower mileages on high-performance variants

Repair cost: £1,500–£3,500 (camshaft adjuster replacement) / £3,000–£6,000 (full timing chain kit)

Replacement cost: £6,500–£12,000 (if chain jumps — full engine replacement)

🔴 Immediate - if you hear rattling on cold start, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

The M176 biturbo V8 has documented timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster (phaser) failures. Common issues include camshaft adjuster failure, timing chain stretch, timing disc displacement, turbocharger problems, and oil leaks from valve covers. At the first sign of cold-start rattling, have the camshaft adjusters and timing chain inspected immediately. A £1,500–£3,500 preventative repair is dramatically cheaper than a £6,500–£12,000 engine replacement.

Read the full timing chain failure guide → /failures/m176-timing-chain/ [NEW FAILURE PAGE NEEDED]

3. Balance Shaft & Camshaft Adjuster Issues (M273 5.5L V8)

Symptoms: Check engine light, rough running, timing chain noise, loss of power, engine warning light

Typical mileage: 60,000–120,000 miles

Repair cost: £2,000–£4,500 (balance shaft repair / camshaft adjuster replacement)

Replacement cost: £5,500–£10,000 (if ignored — full engine replacement)

🔴 Immediate - if you hear rattling or see the check engine light, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

The M273 5.5L V8 has well-documented balance shaft and camshaft adjuster issues. The 2009–2015 G550 uses this engine. If you experience rough running or timing chain noise, have the balance shaft and camshaft adjusters inspected immediately. A £2,000–£4,500 repair is far cheaper than a £5,500–£10,000 engine replacement.

Read the full balance shaft failure guide → /failures/m273-balance-shaft/ [NEW FAILURE PAGE NEEDED]

4. Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets & Oil Filter Housing)

Symptoms: Burning oil smell, oil spots under the car, visible oil residue around the valve covers or oil filter housing, low oil level warning

Typical mileage: 60,000–120,000 miles

Repair cost: £400–£1,200 (valve cover gasket replacement) / £300–£800 (oil filter housing gasket)

Replacement cost: N/A — repair only (does not progress to engine replacement if addressed)

🟡 Monitor - book inspection if you notice oil spots or burning smell

Our recommendation:

Oil leaks are common across all G-Class V8 engines. The M176 is known for oil leaks from under the valve covers. If you notice a burning smell or oil spots, have the gaskets inspected promptly. Catching leaks early prevents oil contamination of other components and more serious engine damage.

Read the full oil leak guide → /failures/g-class-oil-leaks/ [NEW FAILURE PAGE NEEDED]

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G500 / G550 — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

G500 / G550 — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Can It Be Repaired?

ProblemRepairable?Typical CostWhen It Makes SenseTiming chain tensioner rattle (M113)✅ Yes£500–£1,500Preventative — catches the fault before catastrophic failureTiming chain stretch / camshaft adjuster (M176)✅ Yes£1,500–£3,500Preventative — catches the fault before catastrophic failureBalance shaft / camshaft adjuster (M273)✅ Yes£2,000–£4,500Viable on well-maintained examplesTiming chain snapped❌ Usually NoEngine replacementFull engine replacement is the only reliable fixOil leaks (valve covers / oil filter housing)✅ Yes£400–£1,200Catch early to prevent oil contamination and engine damage

Buying This G500 / G550? Check These First

Buy If

M113-engined G500 (1998–2008) — these are "rock solid" and "bulletproof"
Documented timing chain and tensioner work on any engine
Full service history with regular oil changes using MB-approved oil
M176 with documented camshaft adjuster and timing chain work
No cold-start rattling — this is a critical warning sign

Avoid If

M273 (2009–2015) with no balance shaft or camshaft adjuster history
M176 (2016–2024) with cold-start rattle and no timing chain history
Poor service history — these are complex, high-performance engines that need proper maintenance
Check engine light with timing-related codes

Closing Verdict

The G500/G550 badge spans four very different engine generations. The M113 (1998–2008) is widely regarded as "rock solid" and "bulletproof" — the M113 motor found on the G500 from 2002 to 2013 is known to be rock solid from a reliability standpoint. The M273 (2009–2015) introduced balance shaft and camshaft adjuster problems. The M176 (2016–2024) is a modern biturbo V8 with documented timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster failures. The M256 (2025–present) adds 48V mild-hybrid complexity. Buy a pre-2009 M113 if you want the most durable option. Buy a well-maintained later engine with documented service history. Buy on documented history, not on generation alone.

Don't guess.Get the right engine at the right price.

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used Mercedes G500 or G550 (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

Cold Start — Listen for rattling or ticking from the engine (timing chain tensioner / camshaft adjuster warning — this is critical)

Service History — Including which engine era (M113, M273, M176 or M256) and confirmed oil-interval discipline

Timing Chain History — Has the timing chain or tensioner been replaced? (M113: check at 100,000 miles; M176: camshaft adjuster history critical)

Oil Leaks — Look for oil residue around the valve covers and oil filter housing

Balance Shaft — M273 engines: any check engine light or timing noise? (Balance shaft issues)

Engine Warning Light — Have codes been read? Look for timing-related codes

MOT History — Check for emissions-related failures

Warranty Status — Extended warranty is highly recommended for M176 and M256 engines

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Engine Codes

This table's rows match Section 1B's Era Map exactly.

M113 (5.0L V8)

Years1998–2008

Power296 hp (218 kW) / 339 lb-ft (459 Nm)

2025 Enquiries— (pattern data)

Avg. Recon Cost£3,000–£6,500【MB-QUOTE】

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M113 (5.0L V8)1998–2008296 hp (218 kW) / 339 lb-ft (459 Nm)— (pattern data)£3,000–£6,500【MB-QUOTE】

M273 (5.5L V8)2009–2015382 hp (281 kW) / 391 lb-ft (530 Nm)— (pattern data)£4,000–£7,500【MB-QUOTE】

M176 (4.0L biturbo V8)2016–2024416–422 hp (310–315 kW) / 450 lb-ft (610 Nm)— (pattern data)£6,500–£11,000【MB-QUOTE】

M256 (3.0L I6 MHEV)2025–present443 hp (330 kW) / 560 Nm— (pattern data)£7,000–£12,000【MB-QUOTE】

Technical Specs

M176 — most common modern variant

Displacement3,982 cc (4.0L)

Cylinders8-cylinder V

Bore83.0 mm / Stroke: 92.0 mm

Compression Ratio10.5:1

Fuel SystemDirect injection

TurbochargerTwin-turbo (Biturbo)

ValvetrainDOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, chain-driven

Power416–422 hp (310–315 kW)

Torque450 lb-ft (610 Nm)

0-60 mph5.7–5.9 seconds

Top Speed130 mph (limited)

Engine Oil5W-40 or 0W-40, MB 229.5 specification

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

Timing chain tensioner wear on M113 (100,000+ miles); timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster failure on M176

Average Enquiry Mileage

60,000

–120,000 miles【PATTERN DATA】

Average Replacement Cost

£5,000

–£7,500 reconditioned, supply only【MB-QUOTE】

Most Requested Engine Code

M113 (the bulletproof classic)【PATTERN DATA】

Peak Enquiry Season

Winter — cold starts expose timing chain issues【PATTERN DATA】

Regional Demand

London22%

South East18%

North West (12%)【PATTERN DATA】

Regional Demand Breakdown

22%London

18%South East

Frequently Asked Questions

All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network of engine specialists. Actual costs vary by variant, engine code, damage severity and workshop location. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty — always confirm terms with your chosen supplier.

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